What is causing the pain in my heel?

Q: What is causing the pain in my heel?A: Heel pain, whether beneath or behind the heel, is most commonly caused by an inflammation of the tendon or ligament that is attaching to the heel bone. Pain beneath the heel is an inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, known as plantar fasciitis. Pain behind the heel is typically an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, known as Achilles tendinitis.

There is typically some cause of the inflammation, such as running, a stumble or fall, or exercise, but the pain will typically linger and remain. This lingering is cussed by the mechanics of your foot and ankle. Any inefficiency will overwork the legs and feet, preventing the inflammation from resolving. Controlling the mechanics with an insole or custom orthotic will help to prevent the pain and inflammation from returning long term.

The longer it takes you to treat your heel pain, the longer it will be before the pain is completely resolved. Contact your foot specialists to evaluate the cause of your pain and to put you on the road to recovery.